THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 29th April – Friday 3rd May, 2024

1. We are pleased to inform the University Community that the Federal Government of Nigeria, has selected the University of Port Harcourt as one of the Compressed Natural Gas Conversion centres across the country. The installation of the CNG infrastructure, a palliative measure of President Tinubu led government will help alleviate the cost of transportation.

2. In our concerted effort to improve access to education while also maintaining quality, the Open Distance Learning (ODL) Centre of the University, conducted orientation exercise for the newly admitted students. It will be recalled that the National Universities Commission recently granted approval to the University to admit and graduate students across various faculties through the open distance e- learning method. 

3. We received a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education led by Mrs. Ogoliegbune Ijeoma Hilary to inspect the physical infrastructure/laboratories, teaching aids and teaching methods of the UPWA Group of Schools. The Team was impressed by the quality of infrastructure and qualifications of the teaching staff at the School. We urged the School Management to ensure that they continue to uphold the high standards of the School. 

4. We undertook an inspection visit to the construction site of the Emi-Membere Otaji Lecture Auditorium, a project undertaken by our strategic partner to improve our learning infrastructure. We commend the donor as we are impressed with the progress of work at the site. 

5. The University Management held a crucial meeting with all Directors of centres and institutes to discuss and approve urgent issues of concern.

6. The School of Basic Studies, University of Port Harcourt offers preparatory classes to Jamb applicants. The remedial has recorded enormous academic performances as a good number of students from the programme scored over 300 and above in the just concluded 2024 UTME exercise. We congratulated and urged them to continue to thrive towards achieving more excellence. 

7. We received the Bishop of the Diocese of Nigeria Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo (DSSRS), his dear wife and some other members of the Diocese on a courtesy visit to the University Management. The revered Bishop offered prayers for the University Community. 

8. We also received the Commandant and members of Red Cross, Uniport chapter on a courtesy visit to the University Management. The team plans to organize a first responders training for members of staff and the student community.

9. The Meeting of the University Principal Officers held to consider and approve issues to enable the smooth running of the university activities.

10. We received the  Institute of Operational Research and Management Science in Nigeria led by her National President, Prof. Idorenyin Etukudo and some other members of the Institute’s executives. The Team came  to officially inform the University Management of the hosting of her National Conference in the University and we pledged our support to ensuring that the conference records success. 

11. The Board of the College of Continuing Education and members of the College Management had a meeting with the University Management to discuss the plans for the commencement of an off campus at Okrika. The initiative is aimed at increasing the access to education. 

12. We received the news of the Vice-Chancellor’s global appointment as External Committee Member into the International Collaboration Committee Council (ICCC). We are very hopeful that this collaboration will increase the horizon of the University of Port Harcourt with regards to Education, Research, Technology and social benefits. 

13. ⁠We met with the Dean School of Graduate Studies, the Director QA/QC, the CSO, the Dean Students Affairs and the President and stakeholders of the Graduate Students Association to discuss issues that was tearing apart the GSA. We held fruitful discussions and made peace amongst them.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the week under review.

Do have a great weekend.

Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill,
FRSB, FIIA, FWASOT, FCSI, FFs, FWASOP, FECRMI, FIARSA, FIHSC , DFCIHTMA.
Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt